Erica Parsons 'Skeletal Remains' Found

Almost five years after Erica Parsons was last seen, detectives have found her body in South Carolina. The bizarre story of the Rowan County teenager's disappearance gained national attention.

Parsons lived with her adoptive parents in Rowan County until she disappeared in 2011 at the age of 13. She wasn't reported missing until two years later.

Credit Courtesy of the FBI Charlotte Office

Her parents went on Dr. Phil to talk about it. They frustrated the county sheriff, who said they were not truthful in helping to find Parsons. They're now serving federal prison sentences for receiving fraudulent benefits after her disappearance.

This week, the FBI, SBI and local authorities found skeletal remains of a young girl in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. The North Carolina Medical Examiner's office confirmed it was Erica Parsons.

The Rowan County sheriff says the investigation into what happened is ongoing, and there will be more information released next week.

Casey and Sandy Parsons were sentenced to federal prison Friday for financial schemes that included cashing monthly assistance checks of $634 for Erica Parsons more than a year after the girl disappeared.

Erica’s adoptive father, Sandy Parsons, was sentenced to 8 years. Her adoptive mother, Casey Parsons, was sentenced to 10 years.

Exactly one year after Rowan County teen Erica Parsons was reported missing by her brother, her adoptive parents appeared in federal court Wednesday to face charges of Social Security and Medicaid fraud.